Postgraduate Coursework
Graduate Certificate of Dementia Studies
2021
The Graduate Certificate of Dementia Studies is an innovative course that will build on the knowledge gained through previous health studies and/or work experience. This course will assist student to develop a deeper understanding of dementia care through online studies.
This course is relevant to all health professionals who wish to undertake postgraduate education in dementia care settings (including residential, inpatient and community settings), this flexible course will prepare you to work within this growing area of speciality care while being supported by the unit coordinator online, via phone or electronic face to face platforms.
On completion of the Graduate Certificate in Dementia Studies you may progress to the Master of Nursing with advanced standing of completed studies.
Career opportunities
Completing this course may lead to career opportunities working in dementia care settings within the health and human services sector where you work. In addition, completion of post graduate education is a necessity for a wide range of career advances such as management, leadership or education roles or academic or research positions. On completion of the Graduate Certificate in Dementia Studies you may progress to the Master of Nursing with advanced standing of completed studies.
Credit transfers and pathways
Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For information about credit transfer available to students with complete or incomplete study at this or other Institutions refer to Pathways for Higher Education to Higher Education
For further information on credit transfer and how to apply visit ASK CDU
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This course is accredited by the University in accordance with the Higher Education Standards.
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Australian qualification framework
This course is recognised in the Australian Qualifications Framework at Level 8.
Contact details
For further information about the course, enrolment procedures, closing dates and other administrative issues please contact Student Central on:
Admission criteria
- Successful completion of a recognised bachelor degree in a related field such as nursing, allied health, or behavioural or social sciences; and
- Applicants are required to provide a curriculum vitae (CV) clearly documenting one-year post degree work experience and professional development portfolio in a dementia care setting with their application.
Essential requirements
To gain entry into Charles Darwin University, all Higher Education applicants must satisfy the University's English Language Proficiency Requirements for their chosen course of study. International applicants will be required to supply evidence of this at the time of application.
The minimum English language requirement for this course is met by either undertaking previous education in an English-speaking country or undertaking one of the following English language tests and obtaining the minimum requirements listed below.
| IELTS Academic Module | A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no band less than 6.0. |
| Cambridge Advanced English (CAE) | A minimum overall score of 176, with no skill below 169. |
| Common European Framework Certificate of English Proficiency | A minimum overall grade of C1, valid for three years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU. |
| Navitas Academic English (will not be accepted from 2021 onwards) | A minimum overall pass and 65% in Academic English 3 with a 65% pass in the research essay. (Note: this score will not be accepted from 2021 intakes onwards). |
| Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic module | A minimum overall score of 58 with no score lower than 50. |
| TOEFL Internet-based Test (iBT) | A minimum overall score of 79 with a minimum writing score of 21. |
* All tests are valid for two years from the date of the test to the date of commencement at CDU, unless otherwise specified.
* Where applicable, international applicants must also satisfy the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) English language requirements for student visa applications.
Do you have a question regarding English requirements at CDU? Please email: international@cdu.edu.au.
Course structure
This 40-credit point course consists of four core units.
A candidate must successfully complete units totalling 40 credit points as detailed below. All units are valued at 10 credit points unless indicated.
| Unit type | Credit Points | Specific requirements |
| Core Units (4 units) |
40cp |
Compulsory Core units totalling 40 credit points as per the list of units detailed below: HEA596 Socio-Political Issues and Leadership in Dementia Care |
| 40cp | Total Credit Points |
Students who commenced in or after 2013
The grade of "PC" cannot be counted towards a Graduate Certificate AQF Level 8 course award.
Students should refer to the current Grading Policy and Common Course Rules for further information.
Study plan
Students Commencing in Semester 1
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students commencing in semester 1 and enrolling in a standard full time or part time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use these as a guide to create an individual study plan.
Full-time Study Plan
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| HEA596 Socio-Political Issues and Leadership in Dementia Care | CO | ||
| HEA597 Psychosocial Supports and Therapeutic Approaches for Dementia Patients and Families | CO | ||
| HEA598 Neurobiology and Pathophysiology of Dementia | CO | ||
| HEA599 Advancements in Dementia Care (external only) | CO | ||
Part-time Study Plan
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| HEA596 Socio-Political Issues and Leadership in Dementia Care | CO | HEA598 Neurobiology and Pathophysiology of Dementia | CO |
| HEA597 Psychosocial Supports and Therapeutic Approaches for Dementia Patients and Families | CO | HEA599 Advancements in Dementia Care (external only) | CO |
Students Commencing in Semester 2
The Recommended Study Plans provided below are suitable for students commencing in semester 2 and enrolling in a standard full time or part time load. Students entering this course with advanced standing, or wishing to vary their study plan due to work, personal, financial or other reasons should use these as a guide to create an individual study plan.
Full-time Study Plan
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| HEA596 Socio-Political Issues and Leadership in Dementia Care | CO | ||
| HEA597 Psychosocial Supports and Therapeutic Approaches for Dementia Patients and Families | CO | ||
| HEA598 Neurobiology and Pathophysiology of Dementia | CO | ||
| HEA599 Advancements in Dementia Care (external only) | CO | ||
Part-time Study Plan
| Legend: | CO = Core Unit |
| Semester 1 | Semester 2 | ||
| Year 1 | |||
| HEA596 Socio-Political Issues and Leadership in Dementia Care | CO | ||
| HEA597 Psychosocial Supports and Therapeutic Approaches for Dementia Patients and Families | CO | ||
| Year 2 | |||
| HEA598 Neurobiology and Pathophysiology of Dementia | CO | ||
| HEA599 Advancements in Dementia Care (external only) | CO | ||
Course fees
Non-Commonwealth supported places
Full fee paying places are available in this course.
2021: Information about fees and charges can be found at Fees and Payments.
International tuition fees
The annual tuition fee for full time study of 40 credit points (1.0 EFTSL) for commencing students in 2021 is AUD $16,425.20.
These fees are subject to annual increases each year of your study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
You can find a list of International fees and payments you can expect to pay as part of your studies in Australia.
CDU offers a number of scholarships to international students to assist with the cost of study.